The Best School Holiday Activities in Sydney this Winter

Winter school holidays in Sydney don’t have to mean two weeks of screen time and cabin fever. Whether you’re after free family fun at Darling Harbour, a bushland adventure closer to home or a proper overnight escape without leaving the city, there’s plenty on. Here, our edit of the best school holiday activities to keep the whole family happy.

School Holiday Activities in Sydney: Winter 2026

Go Whale Watching On The Water

You might not think it, but winter is actually the best time to get out on the water in Sydney, Why? Because the humpback migration is in full swing! This express 2-hour whale watching cruise departs from Circular Quay, takes you past the Opera House and Harbour Bridge and out into open ocean where an onboard marine naturalist talks you through the annual migration. There’s a whale watching guarantee too, so if you don’t spot one then your next cruise is free. Bookable through Experience Oz and departures run daily at 9:30am, 12pm and 3pm through to November.

Bookings here.

Campbells Cove, Circular Quay. From $91 per adult.

Make a Day of It with the Sydney 4 Attractions Pass

If you’re after a full family day in the city without the mental load of figuring out what to book, the Sydney 4 Attractions Pass via Experience Oz does the heavy lifting. One pass covers SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, Sydney Tower Eye and Madame Tussauds and they’re all within easy walking distance of each other which makes things easy. You’ve also got 60 days to use it after your first visit so you don’t need to rush it and can spread each experience out. It’s genuinely better value than buying separately, and it also comes with a bonus digital photo pass for the memories!

Bookings here.

Darling Harbour. From $64 per person.

Make The Most of Darling Harbours’ Activities

Darling Harbour is going all out for winter school holidays this year, and a good chunk of it won’t cost a cent. From 4–19th July, the precinct is packed with drop-in dance classes inside a Northern Lights-inspired teepee, slime workshops, snow globe making and a self-guided scavenger hunt as part of the free Arctic Activity Zone. The ice rink is back at Palm Grove Forecourt from 27 June to 19 July, Kids Kung Fu Animal Adventures runs weekdays inside the Chinese Garden of Friendship, and a giant inflatable snow globe lands at Darling Square from 16–19th July. Free kids yoga runs every Friday too.

More details here.

Darling Harbour precinct

Step Inside the Wizarding World

The wizarding world has arrived at Paddington Pavilion at Sydney Olympic Park and it is exactly as good as it sounds. Across a series of immersive galleries packed with original props and costumes, kids (and adults, let’s be honest) can brew potions in the Potions Classroom, get sorted by the Sorting Hat, conjure a Patronus in the Forbidden Forest and come face to face with a Boggart in Defence Against the Dark Arts. There’s even a first edition of the Philosopher’s Stone displayed in a Gringotts-inspired vault. This one is running until 11 October, so there’s no need to rush, but do book ahead.

Bookings here

Paddington Pavilion, Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park.

Stay Over at Discovery Parks Lane Cove

Discovery Parks Lane Cove is the kind of place that makes a mid-week staycation feel like an actual holiday, even when you’re close to home. Nestled inside Lane Cove National Park just 10 kilometres from the CBD, the park has cabins, glamping tents and powered sites for campervans, plus a swimming pool, BBQ facilities and direct access to 40 kilometres of bushland trails. During school holidays it makes an ideal base where you can spend your days kayaking on the river or biking through the park, and evenings around the barbecue.

Bookings here.

Saddle Up for an Unforgettable Horse Riding Adventure

Have a horse lover in the family? Eastside Riding Academy’s Horse Riding Camps are the perfect school holiday adventure for kids aged five and up. With half-day and full-day options, they’ll enjoy lessons in covered arenas, scenic rides through Centennial Parklands, and plenty of hands-on horse fun. Whether they’re total beginners or have some experience, these camps are a great way to build confidence around these beautiful animals and make new friends.

From $260, tickets available here

Centennial Parklands

Rock on at the School of Rock Camp

These school holidays, Big Music is hosting music camps for kids aged 5 to 17, catering to all skill levels. Kids will explore various instruments, collaborate in bands, and perform live, all under the guidance of professional musicians. Whether your child is a budding musician or looking to up their skills, they’ll learn it all here.

Five-day program, $650 per child, book here

85 Alexander Street, Crows Nest

Pat a Furry Friend at Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park

Get up close and personal with furry friends at Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park, home to over 2,000 native animals across 260 species. Here, you can enjoy interactive experiences like hand-feeding kangaroos and wallabies, patting koalas, and exploring the Lorikeet aviary.

217 Kildare Road, Doonside

Unleash Their Inner Thespian with a Short Course at NIDA

Looking for an exciting way to spark creativity and build confidence these holidays? NIDA’s short courses for kids are designed for a range of age groups, from kindergarten to year six; these fun and engaging workshops are a great way to keep young minds active over the holidays.

From acting and storytelling to movement and improvisation, there’s a course that suits every interest and skill level. Led by NIDA’s expert tutors, kids will develop new skills, make friends, and, most importantly, have fun. 

See the full schedule here

NIDA, 215 Anzac Parade, Kensington

Run Wild at Ninja Kids’ Easter Holiday Workshops

Get ready for an action-packed break with Ninja Kids’ holiday workshops. Designed for kids aged 5–12, this high-energy experience combines physical activity, fun challenges, and ninja-inspired training. Whether your child is a first-time ninja or a seasoned pro, they’ll build confidence, strength, and agility while having a blast. 

Led by skilled instructors, the program features obstacle courses, parkour moves, team games, and more, all in a safe and supportive environment. It’s the ultimate way to keep kids active, engaged, and making new friends during the school break.

Full-day program $75 per day, half-day program $40 per day, full schedule here

Brookvale, Hornsby, Erina

Enjoy Loads of Adventures at Immersive Gamebox Sydney

Challenge friends and family at Immersive Gamebox Sydney, the latest high-tech attraction, where your body becomes the controller. With 14 immersive games to choose from, including the new Escape AI, an escape-room adventure set in a digital realm, it’s a great activity for the gamer in your family. Family-friendly options like Tetris, PAW Patrol, Angry Birds, and Ghostbusters offer hours of interactive fun for all ages.  

From $50, book here

Aquarium Wharf, Sydney 

Reach New Heights at Sydney Tower Eye with a SKYWALK Adventure

Experience breathtaking 360-degree views of Sydney from the Sydney Tower Eye, the city’s highest observation deck. At 250 metres above the ground, you can admire iconic landmarks and the stunning Sydney Harbour.

For the thrill-seeking child, families can step outside on the SKYWALK, Sydney’s highest outdoor experience. This adrenaline-pumping walk offers an unforgettable perspective of the skyline. 

From $84 per adult, $64 per child, book here

Westfield Sydney, Level 5/108 Market Street, Sydney

Take a Coding Course at Code Camp

Code Camp is back this spring school holidays with an exciting lineup of sessions, including the highly anticipated Minecraft programs Get Crafty and the all-new Get Sporty. These camps, designed for kids aged 5-13, spark creativity, form new friendships, and try out problem-solving and have some hands-on fun. Spots are limited, so make sure you book early!

Various dates throughout April

Various locations across Sydney

Tickets available here

Get Arty at Splatter Paint

Embrace your child’s inner artist during the school holidays with an exhilarating session at Splatter Paint. Throw on a smock and goggles, grab a brush, and let the creativity flow onto the canvas. With one and two-hour sessions on offer, kids can enjoy a creative journey filled with fun and self-expression. Guardians must accompany children under five.

Active and Creative Kids vouchers accepted

From $65, bookings essential 

Level 2/78 Spring Street, Bondi Junction

Burn Some Energy at the All-Ages Playground in the City

Who doesn’t love a school holiday activity that doesn’t cost a cent? Enter the beyond-impressive Darling Harbour Kids’ playground in the heart of the city. Parents can pick up a coffee nearby and watch from the sidelines as the kids zoom down the 21-metre flying fox, build sandcastles, whiz down the massive slide, navigate the webbed ropes and cap it all off with a splash in the water play area. 

And, if you’re keen to mix up your usual park spot, check out our edit of the best parks in Sydney. From Freshwater Beach’s newest playground to incredible set-ups in the suburbs, we’ve unearthed them all. 

1-25 Harbour Street, Darling Quarter, Darling Harbour

While Away the Day at the Ashley Dawson-Damer Children’s Art Library

For the curious kid who loves to read, the Ashley Dawson-Damer Children’s Art Library at the Art Gallery of NSW is a space designed to spark creativity and curiosity in young minds. With beautifully curated books on art and design, cosy reading nooks, and inviting spaces, it’s a chilled-out sanctuary and the perfect school holiday activity (which is also totally free).

Level 3 of the Art Gallery’s original south building, now known as Naala Nura

Enjoyed our edit of the best school holiday activities in Sydney? Why not have a read of our round-up of the most family-friendly neighbourhoods in Sydney? Then check out our explainer on how to style your kids’ bedroom.